His grades and standardized test scores weren’t great, but this guy was determined to get into college.
So he ventured out from his Maryland home to visit California University of Pennsylvania (cup.edu).
During his interview with Cal U’s assistant director of admissions, Amanda Magdic, the conversation turned to the student’s not-so-stellar grades and SAT scores. But instead of blaming his teachers, his parents or his busy life for his poor grades, he blamed himself. And during the two-hour interview, he also told Magdic how he planned to change.
That was a good move.
“He spoke from the heart and was a genuine, respectful young adult,” Magdic says. “Not only was this student impressive because he was genuine; he had evidence that showed he was trying to improve.”
Lesson 1: Back up your conversations with colleges with as many examples as possible
Showing how you plan to improve is important. The student who interviewed at Cal U actually improved throughout senior year instead of just talking about it. He provided examples of his intentions to succeed—and followed through. He was admitted to Cal U.
“Sometimes it takes students a little longer to mature and understand the importance of their high school performance, but making excuses doesn’t help. Working to fix it and being genuine is what does it,” Magdic says.
Need to show improvement? Here’s how.
• Seek out tutoring in difficult subjects.
• Ask a teacher of a class you struggled in to write a letter of recommendation that highlights your persistence.
• Get involved in an extracurricular activity related to a subject you need help in. It’ll help you learn and bolster your involvement record. Bonus!
Lesson 2: Don’t let your parents take over
“We really want the student to make decisions on their own,” says Bill Zeiter, assistant director of admissions at Southern Vermont College (svc.edu) in Bennington, Vt.
College is likely the first major decision you’ll have to make—and live with. Make a good impression by showing the college (and your parents) you’re up for the challenge.
Keep in mind that your parents are not the ones attending college in the fall, you are!” says Lindsay Gerhardt, an admissions counselor at SUNY Geneseo (geneseo.edu). “Therefore, you should be the one asking the questions and deciding what college is the right fit.
Do your parents keep trying to overstep their influence in your college choice? Try these tips.
• Set up a weekly time to talk about college. This will prevent every conversation from being about college.
• Take the lead. Your parents will feel like they need to get involved if they don’t see that you’re on top of the game.
• Take your parents on campus visits. They’ll likely have some good insight on which college is a good match.
• Listen to your parents’ input, but remind them (gently) that the final decision is up to you.
Lesson 3: Tons of extracurriculars don’t guarantee you admission
We all know someone who joins a ton of clubs senior year to show colleges they’re a great catch.
But that last-minute joining is not what makes a college rep’s heart sing.
“I want to see a leader,” says Rich Gaus Jr., admissions counselor at Palm Beach Atlantic University (pba.edu).
Sure, extracurricular activities are a great way to show you’re a leader and into being involved. But when a college considers your extracurricular record, they’re looking for someone who has participated in a leadership role or for a length of time.
“An incredibly long résumé of activities does not necessarily impress an admissions representative,” says Charlie Leizear, assistant director of admissions at The George Washington University (gwu.edu). “… Those second grade ‘fastest swimmer’ certificates are just not going to make or break an application!”
